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Grade 3 · lesson 4 of 4

Interpret resemblance carefully

Interpret resemblance carefully using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
  • Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
  • Reference card A: describes only observed individuals. Reference card B: extends beyond supplied sample.
  • Assessment case 1: Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: These three beetles are brown.
  • Assessment case 2: Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: Every beetle on Earth is brown.
  • Assessment case 3: Which comparison type is described? Supplied case: Two beetles both have six legs.
  • Assessment case 4: Which comparison type is described? Supplied case: One beetle brown and one green.
  • Assessment case 5: Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: The photographed seedlings have broad leaves.
  • Assessment case 6: Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: All seedlings everywhere have broad leaves.

Learn the idea

Shared traits can suggest relatedness, but appearance alone is incomplete evidence. Individuals vary. A sample of three organisms does not establish the traits of an entire population.

Sample claim means describes only observed individuals. Population overclaim means extends beyond supplied sample. Similarity means names a shared trait. Difference means names a differing trait.

For sample claim, look for the clue “describes only observed individuals.” For population overclaim, look for “extends beyond supplied sample.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

  1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
  2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
  3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
  4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “describes only observed individuals”; a second states “extends beyond supplied sample.” The first fits sample claim and the second fits population overclaim. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Use the feature “describes only observed individuals” to justify sample claim; do not sort by the name alone.
  • Distinguish population overclaim (extends beyond supplied sample) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: These three beetles are brown.

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

sample claim

The answer is sample claim. In the notes, it means “describes only observed individuals.” Shared traits can suggest relatedness, but appearance alone is incomplete evidence. Individuals vary. A sample of three organisms does not establish the traits of an entire population.

Take it further

Create one new case showing sample claim and one showing population overclaim. Expected: the first explicitly shows “describes only observed individuals”; the second explicitly shows “extends beyond supplied sample.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Which claim-scope category fits? Supplied case: Every beetle on Earth is brown.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: extends beyond supplied sample.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
2. Which comparison type is described? Supplied case: Two beetles both have six legs.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: names a shared trait.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
3. Which comparison type is described? Supplied case: One beetle brown and one green.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: names a differing trait.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.